Original Word: κλίμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: klima
Pronunciation: KLEE-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (klee'-mah)
KJV: part, region
NASB: regions
Word Origin: [from G2827 (κλίνω - bowed)]

1. a slope
2. (specially) a "clime" or tract of country

part, region.

From klino; a slope, i.e. (specially) a "clime" or tract of country -- part, region.

see GREEK klino

Word Origin
from klinó
Definition
a region
NASB Translation
regions (3).

STRONGS NT 2824: κλίμα

κλίμα or κλίμα (on the accent cf. references under the word κρίμα), κλιματος, τό (κλίνω);

1. an inclination, slope, declivity: τῶν ὁρῶν, Polybius 2, 16, 3; (others). specifically,

2. the (supposed) sloping of the earth from the equator toward the poles, a zone: Aristotle, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, others; Josephus, b. j. 5, 12, 2.

3. a tract of land, a region: Romans 15:23; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 1:21; (Polybius 5,44,6; 7,6, 1; Herodian, 2, 11, 8 (4 edition, Bekker); others).

STRONGS NT 2824a: κλινάριονκλινάριον, κλιναριου, τό (diminutive of κλίνη; see γυναικάριον), a small bed, a couch: Acts 5:15 L T Tr WH. (Aristophanes fragment 33 d.; Epictetus diss. 3, 5, 13; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 57; (cf. κλινίδιον, and Pollux as there referred to).)

Scope of the Term

Strong’s Greek 2824 designates “regions” or “districts,” highlighting territorial areas rather than political entities. In the New Testament it appears exclusively in Pauline correspondence, indicating Paul’s sensitivity to geographical spheres as distinct mission fields.

Occurrences in Paul’s Letters

1. Romans 15:23 – “But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you…”.
2. 2 Corinthians 11:10 – “As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.”.
3. Galatians 1:21 – “Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.”.

Geographical Perspective

Paul employs the word when describing:
• Western Greece (Achaia).
• Northern Syria and southeastern Asia Minor (Cilicia).
• The broad swath of territory stretching from Jerusalem to Illyricum (Romans 15:19, implied context).

The term recognizes cultural, linguistic, and social variations within the Roman Empire, underscoring that the apostolic mission confronted diverse local realities while announcing one unchanging gospel.

Historical Context

First‐century “regions” often corresponded with former Hellenistic satrapies or Roman provincial subdivisions. Travel between such areas involved diplomatic letters of introduction, linguistic adaptation, and navigation of local customs. Paul’s references confirm his strategic planning and intimate knowledge of regional dynamics:

• Achaia was prosperous and culturally Greek, yet rife with philosophical pluralism.
• Syria and Cilicia contained sizeable Jewish populations and important trade routes, providing natural corridors for the gospel to spread north and west.
• The “regions” west of Macedonia toward Illyricum represented the furthest reach of established Roman roads in Paul’s time, validating his claim of exhaustive ministry “from Jerusalem all the way round to Illyricum” (Romans 15:19).

Missionary Strategy

Paul views a “region” as a self‐contained field to be evangelized, organized, and entrusted to indigenous leadership before moving onward. This strategy surfaces in Romans 15:23: once gospel foundations were laid and churches planted, Paul turned to untouched territories. His pattern models:

1. Proclamation of Christ in each locale.
2. Discipling converts and appointing elders.
3. Delegating ongoing oversight (e.g., Titus in Crete).
4. Targeting the next “region” lacking a witness.

Theological Reflection

The distribution of the word across three epistles shows Paul’s conviction that Christ’s lordship extends to every corner of the earth. Each “region” receives identical gospel content, affirming the unity of faith across cultural lines (Ephesians 4:5). At the same time, Paul respects local distinctives, illustrating the incarnation principle—God meets people where they are without compromising truth.

Implications for the Church Today

1. Strategic Mapping: Modern missions benefit from defining clear geographic or cultural spheres, following Paul’s “regions” model.
2. Completion Mindset: Romans 15:23 encourages evaluation of saturation—moving forward when a field possesses sufficient local leadership.
3. Avoiding Self‐Congratulation: 2 Corinthians 11:10 warns against self‐promotion; boasting is only legitimate when anchored in Christ’s work within a region.
4. Perseverance despite Opposition: Galatians 1:21 reminds believers that seemingly obscure or resistant territories are not neglected but incorporated into God’s redemptive plan.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2824 encapsulates the apostolic vision of gospel advance from district to district until “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). Paul’s selective use of the term highlights intentional, region‐by‐region ministry, offering a timeless paradigm for fulfilling the Great Commission.

κλημακτήρες κλημακτήρσιν κλίμα κλίμακας κλιμάκων κλίμαξ κλιμασι κλίμασι κλίμασιν κλιματα κλίματα klimasi klímasi klimasin klímasin klimata klímataInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts